Whether you’ve just moved to Arkansas, or you’ve lived here all your life, you must have a valid driver’s license to legally operate a motor vehicle in the state.

The Arkansas Office of Driver Services (ODS), a division of the Department of Finance and Administration (DFA), and the Arkansas State Police handle driver’s license testing and issuance.

NOTE: This page provides instructions for adult drivers. Visit our Teen Drivers section if you’re a minor applying for a new driver's license.

New to Arkansas?

If you’re new to AR, you need to transfer your out-of-state license within 30 days of establishing residency.

To transfer your out-of-state license for an Arkansas driver's license, visit your nearest state police headquarters and hand over your valid out-of-state license for a new AR driver license.

Be prepared to present the same ID requirements and fees as listed below, under “Apply for Your AR Driver’s License.”

Understand that if your out-of-state license is:

Expired for more than 31 days OR you don’t have the physical license to surrender, you must take the state’s vision and written exams.

Expired for more than 1 year, you must take the vision, written, AND road tests.

For out-of-state transfers, there’s no waiting period between the written test and driving test.

NOTE: If your out-of-state license is suspended, revoked, or canceled, you must take the proper steps to restore it, as outlined by your former state. See our Suspended License section and choose your state for details.

Types of AR Driver Licenses

On this page, you’ll learn how to apply for a new Class D driver’s license in Arkansas.

Class D Driver’s License (Under 21):This is a regular passenger vehicle driver’s license, but for drivers 18 years old to 20 years old.

Class D Driver’s License (Over 21): This is a regular passenger vehicle driver’s license for drivers 21 years old and older.

These licenses have no real functional difference, except the minor license is vertical and makes it easier for establishments to recognize your age.

If you need another type of license, check out one of the following pages:

To help you pass the written test you can study the state’s driver handbook. If you want to ensure passing the exam on your first try, we suggest taking an online practice test beforehand.

If you fail, the Arkansas ODS might require you to wait a certain amount of time before retesting; ask your examiner for details.

Once you pass your vision and written tests, you’ll be issued a learner’s permit.

Every applicant, regardless of age, must hold a learner's permit before getting a driver's license in Arkansas. The only exception is for new residents with a valid out-of-state license (see above).

You’ll keep this license for a period of time determined by the examiner; generally, the time period is approximately a month.

*If your proof of ID shows a different name (e.g., if your name has changed due to marriage, divorce, or court order), you must provide proof of the legal name change, such as a marriage license or divorce decree.

Taking Your Arkansas Driving Test

You do not have to make an appointment, but because testing times change, the ASP recommends calling ahead.

Pay the $20 fee.

Pass your driving test.

Once you pass your driving test, you’ll visit your local Arkansas ODS office to receive your physical driver’s license. Until then, you still have only your learner's permit, so a licensed driver must drive you to the office.

Non-Citizens and AR Driver’s Licenses

Non-citizens will apply for their new Arkansas driver's license the same way as citizens (see “Apply for Your AR Driver’s License” above), making sure to bring the correct documents to prove legal presence in the U.S.

NOTE: Arkansas might allow you to drive with your valid foreign driver’s license for a certain period of time before you must apply for an Arkansas driver’s license. Please contact your local ODS for details.